A pediatric anesthesiologist is a medical professional specializing in the administration of medication during procedures and surgery for a pain-free experience. In the US, pediatric anesthesiologists earn a median annual salary of $272,588 per year compared to C$192,196 ($149,226 USD) in Canada, NZ$182,500 ($132,141 USD) in New Zealand and AU$152,968 ($116,193 USD) in Australia. Pediatric anesthesiologists in the UK earn £83,423 ($93,085 USD), followed by R612,000 ($45,731 USD) in South Africa and Rs1,187,833 ($18,387 USD) in India.

Geographic region, work setting and professional experience influence salaries for pediatric anesthesiologists as further detailed in this guide.

Factors that Influence the Pediatric Anesthesiologist Salary

Payscale.com and country specific employment resources provide information on income and working as a pediatric anesthesiologist. While geographic region is the strongest influencer of salaries worldwide, professional experience and work setting also affect earnings. Additional details are provided in this guide.

1. Geographic Area

Pediatric Anesthesiologist Salary in US

Anesthesiologists, including pediatric anesthesiologists, in the US earn roughly $104,000 per year when beginning their careers, increasing to about $402,000 per year with experience. A specialty in pediatrics may not result in higher earnings. Bonus potential can be hefty, increasing overall earnings by more than $91,000 up to nearly $154,000.

Pediatric Anesthesiologist Salary in Canada

Entry level anesthesiologists in Canada, including those who specialize in pediatrics, earn a starting salary of about C$98,000. Incomes increase significantly during the first 10 years of employment, peaking at more than C$355,000 per year. An additional C$3,500 per year can be earned in bonus income.

Pediatric Anesthesiologist Salary in UK

Anesthesiologists, including pediatric anesthesiologists, earn a typical starting salary of about £36,000 per year as an entry level professional. Earnings increase steadily with experience, peaking at about £165,000 per year.

Pediatric Anesthesiologist Salary in Australia

In Australia, anesthesiologists, and those who focus on the treatment of pediatrics, earn an annual salary of between AU$55,000 and nearly AU$390,000. There are opportunities for bonus pay that can increase earnings another AU$39,000 and some employers also offer profit sharing pay that can reach AU$101,500 in additional yearly earnings.

Pediatric Anesthesiologist Salary in New Zealand

The district health board in New Zealand funds most healthcare positions in the country, including anesthesiologists and those who specialize in pediatrics, paying between NZ$112,000 and NZ$166,000 per year during the completion of training. Salaries increase to between NZ$149,000 and NZ$216,000 per year, on average; however, some at the very top level may see incomes that reach NZ$600,000 per year.

Pediatric Anesthesiologist Salary in India

Anesthesiologists, including pediatric specialists, earn an annual starting salary of nearly Rs 698,000 when beginning their careers. Incomes increase to more than Rs 2,400,000 per year with experience. Overall earning potential can increase an additional Rs 225,000 through bonus pay.

Pediatric Anesthesiologist Salary in South Africa

In South Africa, entry level anesthesiologists, including pediatric anesthesiologists, can expect a starting salary of about R203,000 per year. With additional experience and responsibility, overall income increases to more than R1,500,000 per year.

2. Experience

Earning potential for pediatric anesthesiologists increase throughout one’s career, making experience a strong influencer of salary. Years one through three of professional experience are regarded as entry level and may require work to be performed under additional supervision of more experienced professionals. The difference between entry level and senior level pay is significant with triple digit growth seen in many countries.

For example, the growth in salary in the field of anesthesiology is more than 600%, or AU$335,000 per year, compared to growth of nearly 300% in the US and Canada. In India and South Africa, where salaries are lower compared to other countries reviewed in this guide, annual salaries increase 250% and 155%, respectively, with experience.

3. Industry

Due to the nature of their work, pediatric anesthesiologists work in hospitals and surgery centers. Those employed by for-profit organizations may have a greater opportunity for bonus pay compared to their colleagues who work in nonprofit organizations. A large percentage of hospitals and surgery centers are found in larger metropolitan areas; however, incentives like additional training, signing bonuses, and educational reimbursements may be used to attract new pediatric anesthesiologists to less populated or underserved areas.

Working Hours

Most pediatric anesthesiologists work full-time hours that may exceed 40 hours per week. Pediatric anesthesiologists often work in hospital settings where emergency procedures may require on-call hours and work during any day or time, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Scheduled procedures usually occur during the early morning through typical work hours Monday through Friday.

Bonuses and Benefit Packages

A full healthcare package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage is typically offered to pediatric anesthesiologists. In addition to a strong base salary, bonus potential is offered by some employers. Paid time off for sick time, holidays, and vacation are common. Other benefits offered may include signing bonuses, reimbursement for educational expenses, and allowances for continuing medical education courses and training and meals.

Job Outlook

Future global job outlook for pediatric anesthesiologists is positive. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a growth rate of 14% from 2014 to 2024 due to advancements in medical technology and acute procedures and the medical governing board of New Zealand has placed anesthesiologists on the career shortage list.

This global demand should continue to provide demand that exceeds the number of incoming new professionals while maintaining strong salaries. A career as a pediatric anesthesiologist requires a medical degree, training and internships, and licensure or registration with the appropriate governing board in the country.

Conclusion

Pediatric anesthesiologists earn some of the highest salaries worldwide from entry level to senior level pay and while the educational level and required training are extensive, it is a good return on investment. Bonus potential can add significant amounts to overall earnings, and benefits packages are comprehensive to include healthcare coverage and paid time off, and often allowances for continuing education and training. Future growth opportunities and salary levels should remain strong with demand in this field expected to grow in the coming years.